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Malaysia must ensure that strict
conditions are imposed on those wanting to fly into the country. -NSTP/MOHD
FADLI HAMZAH
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KUALA
LUMPUR: The reduction of the Covid-19 infection rate in Malaysia has
established credentials for it to open up its borders to Asean regional bloc
members.
Malaysian Public Health Medicine Specialist Association president Datuk
Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar foresees no problem for the country to implement
"travel bubbles" between "green countries" especially in
Asean region.
Malaysia, he said, could kick-start the move as soon as from mid-July.
The timing, however, could be adjusted depending on the ever evolving
situation involving the coronavirus and in the event of a re-emergence of
Covid-19 cases, he said.
Zainal said it should be limited to a few nations from the region, while
ensuring strict Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures are in place, before expanding
it to more Asean partners in stages.
"We have been waiting for too long (to open our borders). The
current situation appears to be good. We have to take the opportunity to do so
before (the possible total opening of borders) in August or September.
"We can do it with almost all Asean countries. For starters, the
first line countries should comprise Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam and Laos,
followed by the second line counterparts such as Thailand, Cambodia, the
Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar.
"We can then welcome countries like Korea, Japan, New Zealand,
Australia and Canada. It should be a little later for Europe, United States and
Middle East," Zainal told the New Straits Times today.
He also suggested a head start for the health and eco tourism sectors,
high technology industries as well as conferences with less than 250
participants.
Zainal was commenting on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's call
for Asean governments to come up with cohesive plans to speedily implement
measures for "travel bubbles' between "green Asean member states.
Muhyiddin made the proposal during the 36th Asean Summit which was held
virtually and hosted by Vietnam yesterday.
The Prime Minister said the plan was crucial to shore up investments and
create job opportunities for the people in the region.
Zainal said Malaysia must ensure that strict conditions are imposed on
those wanting to fly into the country.
He said they must also furnish proof of pre-arranged travel journey and
accommodation, valid medical insurance, pledge of cost liability to be borne by
them if the need arises for prevention and control measures of Covid-19.
Another condition that can be imposed was on travel agencies, its agents
and the sponsor of a traveller who must notify the health authorities should a
positive Covid-19 case be detected during an event or during a journey.
"Malaysia must also ensure strict compliance of the SOPs amidst the
influx of people to deter a spike of cases or the possibility of a new
infection cluster.
"It would be crucial that pre-entry screenings and tests are
conducted, the imposition of self quarantine, reminders to avoid crowded places
and the practice of etiquettes," said Zainal.
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr N. Ganabaskaran cautioned
Malaysia against being in a hurry to open up its borders for travellers.
Instead he proposed the government to implement the move in phases, as
international travel still remained one of the biggest risks in battling
Covid-19.
He said for safety purposes, travel should be limited within green Asean
countries with proper SOPs enforced and fully adhered to.
Dr Ganabaskaran said this included the need for compliance of physical
distancing, wearing of face masks, hand and respiratory hygiene throughout a
travel and stay in Malaysia to avert the risk of importing or exporting the
infection.
"We should take a gradual approach to opening up any international
travel as a safety measure so that any eventuality can be well managed.
"For safety concern, we should only allow international travel
among Asean countries that had been declared "green".
"Tourists or business travellers from these Asean destinations must
also strictly adhere to SOPs while in any of the countries.
"Malaysians should also be responsible in extending similar cooperation
when traveling to other 'green countries'," he said.
Dr Ganabaskaran said travelers should also declare necessary information
for contact tracing purposes upon entering the country.
"There should also be high level of exchange of test results within
countries for ease of travel. Tests should be recognised and accepted through
Asean cooperation among the green countries to reduce congestion on arrival for
seamless travel. But we should ensure the standards are the same," he
said.
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